Survey: Workers in these cities like the option to telecommute the most

New data from global staffing firm Robert Half shows that people in San Francisco and Los Angeles look for the possibility of telecommuting “at least some of the time” when considering a job more than those in other cities surveyed.

An independent research firm surveyed more than 2,800 adult office workers in 28 major U.S. cities. Robert Half came up with the survey.

These cities have the most telecommuting fans

San Francisco

Los Angeles

Detroit

Chicago

Austin

Denver

On the other hand, workers in Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City are “least concerned with the option to telecommute.”

“High employment levels mean more people are on the roads traveling to and from their jobs, which increases traffic and makes working remotely more appealing. … Employees want the ability to telecommute for various reasons — for some, it’s flexibility in their schedule, for others it’s about saving time and money. Companies that promote these options are more likely to attract top candidates in a competitive employment market.”

Young people are most likely to accept a job if they can telecommute sometimes

Although 77% of those surveyed agreed that being able to do so “at least some of the time” would raise their chances of accepting a position, those 18-34 felt this way more than other age groups, at 86%.

This was true for 79% of those ages 35 to 54, and 65% of those age 55 and older.

These are the most major telecommuting hangups

Respondents weighed in on the worst parts of the process — but a slice of them thought that there weren’t any negatives at all (values don’t total 100% because of rounding):

“People abuse the benefit/don’t stick to work hours:” 22%

“Feelings of isolation and missing team environment:” 22%

“There is no downside:” 19%

“Interpersonal relationships suffer because you only talk by phone or email:” 17%

“Loss of facetime means telecommuting workers may not be considered for new projects, promotions:” 12%